Bipolar Disorder A Disability

Bipolar Disorder - A Disability

Bipolar disorder otherwise known as manic-depressive illness or manic depression, affects millions of people each year. This illness is a psychiatric diagnostic category that identifies a class of mood disorders where an individual experiences depression and/or mania, hypomania, and/or combined states. People suffering from this illness are considered as having disability or are disabled.

Individuals who suffer from this disorder experiences an emotional roller coaster that can have powerful highs and crippling lows, however, treatments are available to help control these severe mood swings, and with the proper treatment although no cure, people with bipolar disorder will be able to live normal lives.

So what is a bipolar disorder? Bipolar disorder is a severe medical illness that affects the person's ability to feel a normal range of moods. Also known as manic depressions, the word "bipolar" is now used as the illness is made up of two extreme poles. When a person suffering from this disorder experiences the symptoms, it is called an "episode".

A normal individual gets emotional highs and lows as a part of life, but for someone suffering from bipolar disorder, these ups and downs can be very intense that can interfere with their daily lives and sometimes be even dangerous. Some days for a person with bipolar disorder may feel very depressed that they won't get out of bed and work may seem impossible. On some good days the person feels great with bursting endless energy and creativity, although some people think these actions are out of control and reckless.

Bipolar disorder is an enduring medical condition that can be confusing and unpredictable but learning more about the disorder can be very helpful in managing this medical illness. There are four types of bipolar disorder:

Bipolar I Disorder which involves one or more manic or mixed episodes and frequently one or more major depressive episodes. The depressive episode may last from several weeks to months, although in between these episodes there may be periods of normal functioning. Some symptoms may also be related to seasonal changes.

Bipolar II Disorder involves one or more major depressive episodes together with at least one hypomanic episode, where there is also normal functioning between these episodes. Seasonal change may also be a contributing factor to symptoms.

Cyclothymic Disorder is a long-term changeable mood disturbance with times of hypomania and times of depression. This type is a milder form of bipolar disorder, with periods of both depressions is shorter, less severe and does not occur regularly.

Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified is when a person does not fit the types of the bipolar disorders mentioned.

Experiences and episodes of bipolar disorder vary from person to person, with the proper education, medication, and support; this illness can be treated and managed effectively. Even therapy, coaching, support groups, family, and friends can help.